A Layperson's Guide to Achieving Change in the Juvenile Justice System.

Illinois Univ., Champaign. Community Research Center.

This guide for achieving change in the juvenile justice system begins with a discussion of how to obtain information about problems, how to develop issues in a way that will help to accomplish goals, and how to identify supporters. The public meeting is described as useful for drawing public attention to problems and for focusing media attention. The need for good organization is stressed and suggestions are given for publicizing and conducting meetings. Considerations in meeting with public officials are also presented. Media techniques such as developing a contact list, issuing a press statement, and holding a press conference are discussed. Administrative procedures to solve problems are also considered. Discussions are centered on filing written complaints, investigation of complaints, and the use of administrative hearings to remedy individual grievances. For those considering lawsuits as solutions to change, steps in preparing for litigation are outlined, including preliminary work, choosing an attorney, the individual's role in litigation, and monitoring the settlement. An appendix of materials that may be helpful in inspecting institutions includes an article on inspecting jails, and forms for recording information from jail inspections of juvenile facilities. (NRB)